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How to Choose a Program
Online MS degrees in cyber security pose a challenge. On the one hand, they’re often designed for working IT professionals, with flexible schedules and lots of electives. On the other hand, if online programs are not designed and planned properly, they can be a complete waste of your time and money. Here’s how to choose with care:
- Make sure you fit the cybersecurity program’s profile. Strong online MS programs often require students to have a solid core in IT, a healthy GPA, and a few years of job experience. That’s good. It means that the school is taking distance learning seriously.
- Seek out savvy professors in your field of interest. For the price you're paying, you deserve mentors with significant experience in the private sector and/or government who also know how to teach. Research their LinkedIn profiles. Do a background check.
- Request a course demo. Your program should give you constant access to your teachers and lots of opportunities to communicate & connect with other students. After all, these people will be your future business contacts.
- Decide whether you’re interested in cyber security research or not. Like their campus counterparts, online MS degrees often give master’s students the option to choose a thesis or a practicum/capstone project. Choose a program that suits your professional goals.
- Consider reviews & rankings. U.S. News & World Report has rankings for Best Graduate Programs in Computer Science and Best Online Graduate Computer IT Programs andQuora users frequently have opinions about online offerings. You can also contact alumni through LinkedIn. And don't forget to read our own rankings of the top schools with online Master's in Cybersecurity programs.
- Learn whether your school is designated CAE IA/CD. It’s not necessary to go to a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity school in order to get a good education, but you may find the designation helpful in winnowing down your choices.
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
What to Look For in an Online MS in Cyber Security
An online MS in cyber security may be the final qualification on your résumé, so it’s important to get the most out of the experience. Along with a schedule that fits your timetable, you might wish to consider:
- Virtual Reality: The best online MS programs will find ways to mimic real-world scenarios (e.g. cyber labs where hacker attacks can be simulated) on any kind of scale (e.g. war games in a virtual system infrastructure). Ask alumni what they thought of the experience.
- Research Strengths: If you’re interested in specific electives (e.g. digital forensics), find out what kind of cyber security work is going on in the school’s research centers. Do online students have an opportunity to participate in those initiatives?
- Certifications: Does the program train you for mid-career professional certifications (e.g. CISSP)?
- Portfolio: Employers are looking for practical skills. Is there a capstone project? Will you have the chance to create a professional portfolio?
- Networking: Distance learning doesn’t have to be isolating. Some schools arrange local internships for online students and offer them funding to attend conferences and meetings.
- Employment: Solid cyber security programs often have recruiting ties to employers in their area (e.g. Florida & NASA; California & Silicon Valley; Washington D.C. & CIA, etc.). How does your degree connect its online students to job opportunities with these employers? What is the job placement rate for graduates?
All Online Master in Cyber Security Programs
Below are all the matching online programs we found in our directory, from 106 US schools.
| School Name | Programs | NSA |
|---|---|---|
| American Public University System | Charles Town, West Virginia Master of Arts in National Security Studies – Capstone Option Master of Science in Cybersecurity Studies The School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math at American Military University offers an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Studies. Applicants must fulfill at least one requirement that proves a background in IT, such as having earned a bachelor’s degree in IT or a closely related field or having at least five years of work experience in cybersecurity or information technology. The 36-credit program takes a multi-disciplinary approach to preventing and responding to cyber attacks, and students must complete a capstone project. AMU’s School of Security and Global Studies offers an online Master of Arts in National Security Studies with a concentration in cybersecurity. The program is for students with a policy and security analysis background rather than an IT background. | |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, Alabama Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering | NSA CAE |
| Augusta State University | Augusta, Georgia Master of Science in Information Security Management | NSA CAE |
| Bay Path University | Longmeadow, Massachusetts Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management Bay Path University’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management offers classes 100 percent online. Students in the program can pursue an optional concentration in digital forensics if they are interested in cybercrime investigations. The master’s program requires students to complete 12 core courses, including either a thesis or project. Classes are delivered in an accelerated eight-week format, with sessions starting in October, February, and June. Full-time and part-time students are welcome. The program is open to students with an array of academic backgrounds, including those without a technical degree. However, applicants should be proficient with computing and networks. Applicants should have an undergrad GPA of 3.0, but no standardized tests are required. Applicants should submit an essay on their career goals and two recommendations. | |
| Bellevue University | Bellevue, Nebraska Master of Business Administration – Information Security Concentration Master of Business Administration – Information Security Management Concentration Master of Science in Cybersecurity Bellevue University offers two options for its online program leading to a Master of Science in Cybersecurity. Entry-level or mid-level professionals take a traditional format, which requires at least 18 months of coursework. Experienced professionals who have worked at least 10 years in IT or information security and who have a current security certification may sign up for an accelerated cohort option, which allows them to complete the degree in as few as 14 months. Students in the advanced cohort take two courses per session for six sessions. Traditional students take nine core courses and three electives. Bellevue is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity, a designation presented by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. | NSA CAE |
| Boston University | Boston, Massachusetts Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice with Concentration in Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity Online MS in Computer Information Systems with Concentration in Security Boston University has an online option for students seeking a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in security. The online program is designed for working professionals in the IT field who want to prepare for a managerial position in computer science or information systems. Applicants must show proficiency in information technology or take a four-credit online prerequisite course in the fundamentals of IT. Students in the security concentration take five classes in core CIS requirements and five courses in the security area. Three of the security courses are required, and two are electives from a restricted list. BU’s Department of Computer Science has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. | NSA CAE |
| Brandeis University | Waltham, Massachusetts Master of Science in Information Security Leadership Brandeis University’s online Master of Science in Information Security Leadership is designed to prepare IT professionals for leadership roles in public and private organizations where they can make the business case for investing in security and where they will take charge of planning and maintaining secure infrastructures. The program is open to students who have an undergraduate degree in a technical field with coursework or experience in data communications, TCP/IP protocol, networking devices and programming. The 30-credit program includes six required courses covering fundamentals and four electives that allow students to focus on specific skill sets. Instructors in the program have real world experience with major organizations such as Sun Microsystems and Harte-Hanks Company, and they draw upon that expertise in the curriculum. | |
| Brown University | Providence, Rhode Island Executive Master in Cybersecurity The Executive Master in Cybersecurity from Brown University is an 18-month program that combines online learning with four residencies at the Brown campus in Providence, Rhode Island, and one week of experiential learning in Washington, D.C. Each residency is six days. Over the three academic terms, all students complete a critical challenge project that is drawn from their work environment. Students advance as a cohort and work through one course at a time. Online sessions are asynchronous. Applicants should be mid-career executives with technical or policy experience. While the only specified educational requirement is a bachelor’s degree, many applicants have advanced degrees. GRE scores are not required, and professional diversity is one criteria used in forming a cohort. Students enter the program in September. | |
| Capitol Technology University | Laurel, Maryland Master of Science in Cyber Analytics Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technical Master of Business Administration in Cybersecurity Capitol Technology University offers a Master of Science in Cyber and Information Security (MSCIS) with content that aligns with all eight common bodies of knowledge required for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional credential and all six federal training standards. The program requires students to complete 36 to 39 credits, including 24 credits in core curriculum. Students can use their 12 elective credits to specialize in network security engineering, information assurance management, or wireless security. The university has a cyber lab where hacker attacks can be simulated. Applicants to the program should have a background in IT, network security, computer networking, telecommunications, or computer science. The university is one of the schools named as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense. | NSA CAE |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Master of Science in Information Technology – Information Security & Assurance | NSA CAE |
| Central Washington University | Ellensburg, Washington Master of Science in Information Technology and Administrative Management – Cybersecurity Management Students in Central Washington University’s Master of Science in Information Technology and Administrative Management program can specialize in cybersecurity management. The MS-ITAM is a one-year program that bridges the gap between IT and administrative management in organizations. Classes are offered fully online, and the program uses a cohort model that requires all students to attend full time. The program begins in the fall and runs through the following summer. Students take 26 credits in core curriculum and 20 credits in the cybersecurity specialization. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA in their last 60 hours, but no specific major is required. Applicants must submit transcripts, three recommendations, and a statement of professional objectives. GRE or GMAT scores are not required. | |
| Champlain College | Burlington, Vermont Master of Science in Digital Forensics Master of Science in Information Security Operations Champlain College offers a 100-percent online Master of Science in Information Security Operations that covers strategic and tactical aspects of information security. The program is designed for IT professionals such as systems administrators, systems and network engineers, and data and systems analysts. For their capstone, students participate in a team-based controlled war game in the college’s virtual system infrastructure. Champlain College also has an entirely online Master of Science in Digital Forensics, which trains students to use digital evidence to investigate crimes. The faculty includes former FBI agents, state’s attorneys, and corporate consultants. Applicants should have a technical undergraduate degree and work experience in digital forensics and/or computer science. Champlain is part of the truED alliance, offering tuition discounts to federal employees and their spouses. | NSA CAE |
| Citadel Military College of South Carolina | Charleston, South Carolina Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies – Cybersecurity Concentration The Citadel has an entirely online program that leads to a Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies with a concentration in cybersecurity. The cybersecurity concentration is a joint project of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at The Citadel and the Department of Computer Science at the College of Charleston. This is a 36-credit program that requires students to complete four core courses, four courses in the cybersecurity concentration, and four elective foundation courses. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and must submit MAT or GRE scores and a writing sample. Students applying for the cybersecurity concentration are required to have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0, although students with a lower GPA may receive provisional admission. | NSA CAE |
| City University of Seattle | Seattle, Washington Master of Science in Information Security The online Master of Science in Information Security at City University of Seattle is a multi-disciplinary program that covers the technical, management, policy and business aspects of information security. The program requires 16 courses including five core courses. Students also select two specialization areas and take four classes in each specialization to gain a deep understanding of the topic. Specializations are: cybersecurity environment, breaking and securing code, information security audit, and a CPA exam review. The capstone for this degree is a three-course sequence of classes leading to a thesis or written report and presentation in a public forum. City University has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity by the NSA and Department of Homeland Security. | |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, New York Master of Science in Technology Management – Cybersecurity Focus Online Master of Science in Computer Science – Computer Security Track Students who enter the Executive Master of Science in Technology Management program at Columbia University may choose a focus in Cybersecurity. The program spans 16 months, and the cohort format only permits students to enter in the fall semester. Coursework combines online work and required residencies, which are offered in New York City and Paris. Students must attend four residencies, which last four or five days each, over the course of the program. Each student is assigned an executive mentor who works with the student in developing a master’s project over three semesters. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, but there is no required major. Applicants must have at least five years professional experience. GRE or GMAT scores are optional. | |
| Dakota State University | Madison, South Dakota Master of Science in Cyber Defense Dakota State University has a completely online program for a Master of Science in Information Assurance & Computer Security. Students can choose to specialize in banking and financial security, or they can create their own specialization by careful selection of electives in computer science, information assurance and information systems. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering or software engineering, or they will be required to take prerequisite courses. Applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and must submit GRE scores. Students may enter the program at three points during the year. Full-time and part-time students are welcome, but all students must complete the program within five years. DSU is a Center of Excellence in Information Assurance Education. | NSA CAE |
| Davenport University | Grand Rapids, Michigan Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cyber Security Davenport University offers a 34-credit online program leading to a Master of Science in Information Assurance. The nine required core classes cover topics such as information security planning, cryptography, project management and risk mitigation, security for applications and networks, computer forensics, and legal and ethical issues in security. Students also take an elective in an area such as wireless and mobile security, banking and financial security, or an information assurance internship. Candidates complete the program with a thesis paper on information assurance. Applicants should have an undergraduate background in computers, networking, security foundations and statistical analysis, or they should have a recognized security certification such as Security+ or CISSP. Students who do not meet those criteria may have to take up to five foundational courses. | NSA CAE |
| DePaul University | Chicago, Illinois Master of Science in Cybersecurity Students in the Master of Science in Cybersecurity program at DePaul University’s College of Computer and Digital Media can choose from three concentrations: network infrastructure, computer security, or governance, risk management and compliance. All concentrations require 52 credits, and students who don’t have a relevant background may have to complete up to 24 credits in introductory courses. Depending upon their concentration, candidates may be required to complete a hands-on capstone course, or they may have the option of completing a research project or master’s thesis in place of the capstone. Applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students may apply to the program in any quarter. | NSA CAE |
| DeSales University | Center Valley, Pennsylvania Online Master of Criminal Justice: Digital Forensics | |
| Drexel University | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity Drexel University’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity offers students the opportunity for a co-op position, where the student works in a cybersecurity position for six months after completing three quarters of classwork. Drexel’s M.S. in Cybersecurity is a highly technical program designed for students who have a background in computer science, computer or electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, or related fields. The program, which can be completed online, includes 15 credits in core courses, 18 credits in cybersecurity technical electives, and 12 credits in other electives. Technical electives can be selected from graduate-level courses offered by the Departments of Computer Science, Computing and Security Technology, and Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students may elect to take research rotations or to write a master’s thesis. | NSA CAE |
| East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania | East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania Information Security, M.S. East Stroudsburg University offers an online program for a Master of Science in Information Security. The degree is a technical program open to applicants with an undergraduate degree in computer science, information technology, information systems or a related field. Students who complete the 30-credit program can earn up to six federal certifications because the curriculum aligns with certification standards such as the National Training Standard for Information Systems Security Professionals. The program is designed for a cohort, with students taking two classes per semester and completing the coursework in five semesters. Candidates must complete and defend a thesis, and they may have to come to the campus for the thesis defense. ESU is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. | NSA CAE |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Daytona Beach, Florida Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management and Policy Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has a 30-credit online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management and Policy that prepares professionals for leadership roles with government agencies, defense contractors, and private corporations. Students do not have to have an IT background for the program, which prepares students for positions in fields such as risk analysis, incident response, policy development, and information security. Instructors include outside experts and the faculty of Embry-Riddle’s Department of Security Studies and International Affairs. The curriculum is frequently updated to keep pace with industry changes. The capstone is a two-part sequence that allows candidates to delve into a problem found at their worksite or in their industry and produce a publishable research paper. | |
| Excelsior College | Albany, New York Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with dual degree option for MS (Cybersecurity) Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology with dual degree option for MBA (Cybersecurity) Master of Science in Cybersecurity Excelsior College has an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity that allows students to concentrate in information assurance, medical data security, policy administration, or a general track. The program requires 30 credits, including six core courses and a capstone in cybersecurity. The program was designed with input from industry leaders, and course materials are frequently updated to reflect changes in the industry. Core courses cover topics such as IT risk assessment, communication security, digital crime and cyberattacks, information assurance, and ethical and legal issues. Some students entering the program may be eligible for the Pathway Scholarship in Cybersecurity that Excelsior offers. The college has been named a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the NSA and Department of Homeland Security. | NSA CAE |
| Florida Institute of Technology | Melbourne, Florida MBA in Cybersecurity MS – Information Assurance & Cybersecurity Florida Institute of Technology offers both a Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity and an MBA in Cybersecurity. The information assurance degree is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students to address threats to cybersecurity and to implement strategies to protect against attacks. Students have the opportunity to participate in research at Florida Tech’s Harris Institute for Assured Information and to interact with representatives of Space Coast high-tech employers, such as NASA and Harris Corp. Applicants must have at least nine credits in computer programming and must submit GRE scores. The MBA in Cybersecurity is open to students with undergraduate degrees in any subject. The program includes two foundation courses, five core courses, four courses in the cybersecurity specialization, and a capstone. | NSA CAE |
| Florida International University | Miami, Florida Master of Science in Computer Engineering with a concentration in Network Security Students in Florida International University’s online Master of Science in Computer Engineering with a concentration in network security can earn their degree in 10 months of full-time study by taking two courses per eight-week term in the fall and spring semesters and two courses over the summer semester. Program graduates are prepared to take certification tests such as Network+, Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker. The 30-credit program includes 24 credits in computer engineering core classes and six credits in math electives. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, math or a physical science and an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. FIU Online offers a $2,500 academic merit scholarship for this degree to some applicants with a GPA of 3.25 or higher. | |
| Fordham University | Bronx, New York Master of Science in Cybersecurity Fordham University’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity is a 30-credit program that students can complete in 12 months through hybrid classes that combine online and in-class work. Required coursework includes intensive experience in the university’s cybersecurity research lab. To be accepted into the program, applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in a computer related field, such as computer science, computer engineering, information science, or information technology. Fordham looks for applicants who earned an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. Before entering the degree program, students must show they have professional knowledge or experience equivalent to four specific courses: applied statistics, basic computer science, discrete structures, and network basics. The program has rolling admissions. | |
| Fort Hays State University | Hays, Kansas Master of Professional Studies – Cybersecurity Master of Professional Studies – Information Assurance Management Students in the Master of Professional Studies (MSP) program offered online through Fort Hays State University can select a concentration in information assurance management or in cybersecurity. Students in either concentration take three core classes, four required classes in their major, a two-course cognate or two electives related to their area of concentration, and they complete a capstone project. For the cybersecurity concentration, for instance, the cognate includes classes in advanced routing and advanced switching or courses in web security and network security. Information assurance students can choose classes such as penetration testing and law of cyberspace. Applicants to either program must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. GRE scores are not required for these concentrations. | NSA CAE |
| George Washington University | Washington, District of Columbia Online Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Policy & Compliance Online Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management George Washington University offers online programs leading to a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management or an MSP in Security and Safety Leadership that allows students to focus on strategic cybersecurity enforcement. The MSP in Cybersecurity Strategy is a 36-credit program that focuses on protecting and managing technological resources. Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and two years of relevant work experience. The Security and Safety MSP is aimed at professionals in the public or private safety sectors, including law enforcement, emergency management, corporate security, and public health. The Security and Safety program requires 36 credits, including a capstone project. Online students can complete these programs in as few as 16 months. | NSA CAE |
| Georgetown University | Washington, District of Columbia Master of Professional Studies in Technology Management : Information Security Master’s in Cybersecurity Risk Management Georgetown University has an online Master of Professional Studies in Technology Management that allows students to concentrate in information security. Students in Georgetown’s MPS program take four core courses covering system requirements, managing technology, financial analysis, and ethics. Candidates then take five electives in the information security area, choosing courses in consultation with a faculty adviser. Students are also required to complete a capstone in which they apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem. The program is designed for technology professionals who want to prepare for leadership roles, business leaders and consultants who want to gain skills to maximize IT strategies, and entrepreneurs. Students can typically complete the program in two years of part-time study. | NSA CAE |
| Hampton University | Hampton, Virginia Master of Science degree in Information Assurance The Information Assurance Center at Hampton University has an online Master of Science in Information Assurance that prepares students for leadership roles in securing information and information systems. The program is designed for students who have a degree in computer science, engineering, science or math and a strong background in computer science. Applicants who do not meet those requirements may be eligible for a four-course bridge program to prepare them for the M.S. coursework. To earn the master’s degree, students complete 24 credits in core classes, 12 credits in restricted electives, and pass a comprehensive examination. Students in the Information Assurance degree program may be eligible for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service, which covers tuition and fees and includes a stipend. | NSA CAE |
| Harvard University | Cambridge, Massachusetts Online Master of Liberal Arts in Information Management Systems – Cybersecurity Certificate | |
| Indiana University Bloomington | Bloomington, Indiana Master of Science in Cybersecurity Risk Management The Master of Science in Cybersecurity Risk Management from Indiana University Bloomington includes courses from three university schools: School of Informatics and Computing, Kelley School of Business, and Maurer School of Law. All students take classes in technical cybersecurity, IT risk management, and cybersecurity law and policy. Students can complete the program in two years, or sooner if they have prior training. All candidates must complete a cybersecurity capstone program that gives them real-world consulting experience helping a local organization improve its cybersecurity preparedness. Applicants should have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, but no specific major is required. Standardized test scores are required, but waivers are available for IU grads, people with at least five years of work experience, military personnel, and GPAs over 3.2. | NSA CAE |
| Iowa State University | Ames, Iowa Master of Engineering (MENGR) in Information Assurance Master of Science (MS) in Information Assurance (IA) Students seeking a master’s degree in information assurance have three options at Iowa State University, which offers these degree as online programs. Options are a Master of Science in Information Assurance, with or without a thesis, and a Master of Engineering in Information Assurance. The M.S. with thesis requires 24 credits plus six credits of research for the thesis. The M.S. without thesis requires 27 credits plus three credits for a creative component. The engineering degree requires coursework only, with students completing 30 credits including a capstone class. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, math, computer science, management information systems or a related field. Students without a technical degree but with significant technical work experience may be admitted. | NSA CAE |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, Alabama MS in Computer Systems and Software Design – Information Security and Assurance Concentration Jacksonville State University’s Master of Science in Computer Systems and Software Design has a concentration in Information Security and Assurance that can be earned through online study. The program is technical, with an applied approach that emphasizes the processes and methods used by successful software organizations. The online program requires candidates to complete 30 credits of coursework, including classes in software engineering and computer networking. Applicants to the program should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, software engineering, or information systems. Applicants with a related degree may be admitted if they have at least three years of work experience in systems and software design and prerequisite courses in software engineering, operating systems, database systems, calculus, and an object-oriented programming language. | NSA CAE |
| James Madison University | Harrisonburg, Virginia Master of Science in Information Security | NSA CAE |
| Johnson & Wales University | Providence, Rhode Island Online Master of Business Administration – Information Security/Assurance | |
| Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, Georgia Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) specialization in information security and assurance Students earning a Master of Science in Information Technology through Kennesaw State University’s KSU Online program can customize their coursework to create a specialization in information security and assurance. The online degree program begins with four foundation courses, but students who passed an equivalent course in undergraduate school or in a different graduate program can be exempted. Students can also test out of the foundation classes. The master’s program requires five core courses and includes 21 credits in electives, allowing students to take several courses in information security and gain a depth of knowledge in that field. The degree is designed for students who want a career in managing the development, implementation and operation of information systems. | NSA CAE |
| Kentucky State University | Frankfort, Kentucky M.S. in Computer Science Technology – Cybersecurity Option Students in the Master of Science in Computer Science Technology program at Kentucky State University can pursue a cybersecurity option that is delivered online. The program is designed to meet the needs of students with an undergraduate degree in computer science and those who are changing careers and are new to the field. Students without a computer background must take three foundation courses before beginning core coursework. The master’s program requires 30 credits beyond the foundation courses. Students can select a thesis option or a non-thesis option that requires them to compete either a project or two additional electives. All applicants must submit GRE scores, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation from undergraduate teachers or from employers if they are working in a technical field. | |
| La Salle University | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Master of Science in Cybersecurity LaSalle University’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity offers online courses in eight-week sessions, allowing students to complete two courses in a traditional semester and earn the degree in less than two years. The curriculum includes classes from the university’s programs in IT leadership, economic crime forensics, and computer information science. The 30-credit program requires candidates to complete an integrative capstone project focusing on some aspect of economic crime forensics. Applicants should have a background in a field related to cybersecurity, such as computer science, technology, risk assessment, or criminal justice. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 and submit transcripts, a resume, and two recommendations. A faculty member will interview applicants to see if they need foundation courses. | |
| Lewis University | Romeoville, Illinois Online Master of Science in Computer Science – Cyber Security Concentration Lewis University’s online MS in Computer Science program with a concentration in cyber security teaches students how to identify organizational cyber-threats and design software to combat them. The 32 credit hour program includes coursework in database systems, programming and cloud computing and virtualization. Both Master’s programs can be completed fully online within 24 months and require a minimum 3.0 GPA. | NSA CAE |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg, Virginia Master of Science in Cyber Security Master of Science in Information Systems – Information Assurance Liberty University offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and a Master of Science in Information Systems – Information Assurance as online degree programs. The cybersecurity degree is a 36-credit program that culminates with a three-credit capstone project. Students take courses covering topics such as digital forensics, ethics, network security, cryptography, security software engineering, and ethical hacking. Most courses include practical, hands-on exercises. Classes in the information systems program cover technical and management aspects of the field and are taught with a Christian perspective. Applicants to either program should have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and a degree in information systems, IT, computer science, programming or a closely related field. Applicants without a computer degree must meet course prerequisites, including programming and statistics. | |
| Marymount University | Arlington, Virginia Cybersecurity (M.S.) Marymount University takes advantage of its proximity to federal security agencies in presenting content for its Master of Science in Cybersecurity. Faculty members are involved in government projects and guest speakers are recruited from the national security field. Additionally, online students come to the campus near Washington, D.C., for the program’s final course, where they will gain hands-on experience with equipment and interact with federal cybersecurity professionals. The rest of the required 12 classes can be completed online. Courses cover topics such as computer security, cryptography, law and ethics, information security management, and technology leadership. Marymount annually offers three or four CyberCorps Scholarships for Service to cybersecurity students who want to work for the government. | NSA CAE |
| Maryville University | Saint Louis, Missouri Online Master of Science in Cyber Security Maryville University has launched a 100% online program leading to a Master of Science in Cyber Security that is housed in the John E. Simon School of Business. The program combines technical skills in areas such as security in the cloud, wireless network security, and mobile device hacking with a strong grounding in business literacy. Graduates of the program will have the skills to influence or make executive decisions. Coursework for the M.S. in Cybersecurity can be completed entirely online, and students have access to the Maryville Virtual Lab to get hands-on experience through practical assignments. Instructors include experts from Fortune 500 companies and the FBI. Candidates can earn the degree in as few as 18 months. Graduates of the program are prepared to prove their security skills by taking certification exams such as Certified Ethical Hacker or CompTIA Security+. | |
| Mercy College | Dobbs Ferry, New York Master of Science in Cybersecurity Mercy College offers a completely online program leading to a Master of Science in Cybersecurity. While the program is intended for professionals with a background in information security, students with a bachelor’s degree in another field may be admitted after taking prerequisite courses in local area networks, database management systems, cryptography, operating systems, and statistics. The M.S. program requires students to complete 30 credits, including 18 credits in core classes. Candidates have the option of doing a thesis, master’s capstone project, or doing only coursework. All work for the degree must be completed within five years. Graduates of the program are prepared for supervisory jobs in cybersecurity and have the knowledge necessary to pass the CISSP certification exam, a respected professional credential. | NSA CAE |
| Middle Georgia State University | Cochran, Georgia Master Of Science In Information Technology – Cyber Security & Forensics | NSA CAE |
| Minnesota State University-Mankato | Mankato, Minnesota Master’s in Information Security & Risk Management Minnesota State University, Mankato, offers a Professional Science Master’s in Information Security and Risk Management that is delivered completely online. Classes meet online in the evenings for synchronous sessions, and students also take part in asynchronous activities and discussions. The curriculum requires students to complete 30 credits, including 19 common core credits, seven restricted elective credits, and a four-credit capstone. For their capstone, students must complete an internship with their current employer or another organization. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as information security, IT, software development, computer science, or management. Applicants with an undergrad GPA under 3.25 must submit GRE scores. Applicants must also submit a professional resume and a statement outlining their professional goals. | |
| Mississippi College | Clinton, Mississippi Master of Science in Cyber Security and Information Assurance | |
| National University | La Jolla, California Master of Science in Cyber Security and Information Assurance Students have two choices for specializations when enrolled in National University’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program: ethical hacking and pen testing, or information assurance and security policy. The program is available in a 100 percent online format. The core curriculum for students in either specialty includes nine courses covering topics such as cybersecurity toolkit utilization, threat modeling and intelligence, wireless and mobile security, ethical issues, and net defense and cloud security. All students take three project classes. Each specialization requires an additional four courses. All applicants are required to interview with the faculty adviser before acceptance. The program is technical and is housed in the School of Engineering and Computing. | NSA CAE |
| New York University | New York, New York Master of Science in Cybersecurity Master of Science in Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering has a 30-credit Master of Science in Cybersecurity that students can complete entirely online. Distance students have access to a virtual lab that assures they receive the same practical, hands-on experience that on-campus students get. Additionally, graduates receive five years of access to updated course material to keep their skills current. The program prefers applicants whose bachelor’s degree is in a technical field such as computer science or engineering, but applicants with other degrees are accepted, and the college has a cybersecurity bridge program for them. Requirements include math at least through calculus, knowledge of a programming language (C++ preferred), and GRE scores. The curriculum includes three electives and an optional research project or thesis, depending upon career goals. | NSA CAE |
| Norfolk State University | Norfolk, Virginia MS Cybersecurity Norfolk State University offers a 36-credit online program leading to a Master of Science in Cybersecurity. Students take 11 courses in topics such as security operating systems, computer and network forensics, human aspects of computing, and penetration testing. Candidates are also required to complete an in-depth research project as their capstone. The program is housed within the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. Norfolk State has been designated a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education, and internship partners include the Defense Information Systems Agency, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, the National Security Agency, and the Savannah River National Laboratory. Sources of scholarship funding include the National Science Foundation’s Scholarships for Service program to promote cybersecurity education. | NSA CAE |
| Northwestern University | Evanston, Illinois Online Masters in Information Systems – Information Systems Security Specialization | |
| Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, Florida Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management Master of Science in Information Assurance & Cybersecurity Nova Southeastern University offers an online Mater of Science in Information Security designed for students who want to design, develop and program cybersecurity technologies. The 36-credit program requires students to take 12 courses, including 10 core classes and two electives. Full-time students can complete the degree in as little as 12 months, and working professionals can complete the program in 16 to 24 months. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, information technology, information systems, engineering, math or physics. Students without a strong computer background may be required to take up to five prerequisite courses. Nova Southeastern is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education, and federal agencies may sponsor some personnel who take graduate courses at the school. | NSA CAE |
| Old Dominion University | Norfolk, Virginia Master of Science in Cybersecurity | |
| Our Lady of the Lake University | San Antonio, Texas Master of Science in Information Systems and Security (MS-ISS) Our Lady of the Lake University offers a Master of Science in Information Systems and Security that meets National Security Agency certification standards. Students can complete the program in as little as one year, and graduates of the program are ready to take nationally recognized professional certification exams, such as the CISSP. The 30-credit degree includes five core courses in computer information systems and security and five courses that focus on information assurance. Applicants should have a undergraduate degree in a technical field and a GPA of 3.2 or higher. Students whose undergraduate degree is not in a technical field can take a semester-long online Cybersecurity Boot Camp class to complete prerequisite work. OLLU requires applicants to submit GRE or GMAT scores. | NSA CAE |
| Pace University-New York | New York, New York Master of Science in Internet Technology – Cybersecurity Online Master of Science in Internet Technology – Cybersecurity Graduate students earning the Master of Science in Internet Technology from Pace University can concentrate in cybersecurity. The online, 30-credit program requires students to take three core courses, four courses in cybersecurity, two electives, and to complete a capstone project. Cybersecurity courses include network security, internet security, computer and internet forensics, and information security management. For the capstone project, students work in teams to develop computer information systems for real client companies, developing knowledge and skills in technical areas that have value to real-world users. Applicants are not required to have any experience in cybersecurity, and their undergraduate degree does not have to be in a technical field. Pace University automatically reviews all applications for eligibility for graduate merit-based scholarships. | NSA CAE |
| Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, Pennsylvania Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security – Cyber Threat Analytics and Prevention Option Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security – Information Security and Forensics Option Master of Professional Studies in Information Sciences – Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Penn State has a 33-credit online program leading to a Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security with an option in cyberthreat analytics and prevention, information security and forensics, or cybersecurity and information assurance. The program is for professionals in fields such as homeland security and network security. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in a field such as computer science, applied math, or engineering, although students who have gained relevant knowledge on the job are eligible. GRE scores are required from applicants without three years of professional work experience, a 3.0 undergrad GPA, or a graduate degree. The curriculum lists 10 courses, including three electives, and a capstone experience in which candidates complete a research project individually or in a small group. | NSA CAE |
| Purdue University Global | Chicago, Illinois Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management | |
| Purdue University | West Lafayette, Indiana Master of Science in Computer and Information Technology – Cyberforensics | NSA CAE |
| Quinnipiac University | Hamden, Connecticut Online Master of Science in Cyber Security | |
| Regis University | Denver, Colorado Master of Science in Information Assurance – Cyber Security Specialization Students working on an online Master of Science in Information Assurance through Regis University can specialize in cybersecurity. The program requires students to complete 36 credits, including the following three core courses: information technology concepts, enterprise architecture, and research methods, and three electives. The cybersecurity specialization requires courses in managing a secure enterprise and risk management. Candidates can complete a capstone project, thesis, or information assurance practicum. The program can be completed 100 percent online. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training and meets the standards set by major IT organizations. Graduates are qualified to sit for several industry certification exams, such as the CISSP. Regis is a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. | NSA CAE |
| Robert Morris University | Moon Township, Pennsylvania Master of Science in Cyber Security and Information Assurance | |
| Saint Leo University | Saint Leo, Florida Master of Science in Cybersecurity St. Leo University has an online option for its Master of Science in Cybersecurity to provide flexibility for working professionals. Students in the 36-credit program can take two courses per term online, and St. Leo offers four cybersecurity courses online each semester. The curriculum aligns with the National Security Agency’s standards for information assurance degrees. Courses cover topics such as database security, software security, risk management, ethical hacking, security management, and advanced networking and protocols. Candidates also have the opportunity to conduct advanced research in information assurance. Program graduates will have the knowledge needed to pass many of the industry’s recognized professional certification tests. Applicants must have completed undergraduate coursework in computer systems, programming logic and design, and computer networks. | |
| Sam Houston State University | Huntsville, Texas Master of Science in Digital Forensics Master of Science in Information Assurance and Security Sam Houston State University delivers its Master of Science in Information Assurance and Security in a totally online format. To complete the degree, students must earn 36 credits, including 18 credits in specified courses such as database security, organization system security, business continuity management, and a directed management and development project. The other 18 credits are earned in electives selected from graduate-level offerings in information assurance and security and approved by an adviser. Students may be required to take written and oral comprehensive exams. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree or minor in computer science or management information systems. Applicants with an undergraduate degree in a related field and relevant professional experience will also be considered. The university requires applicants to submit GRE scores. | |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, Arkansas Master of Science in Computer and Information Science – Cyber Security and Privacy Option Students in Southern Arkansas University’s online Master of Science in Computer and Information Science program can pursue an option in Cyber Security and Privacy. The program requires 30 credit hours, and students who take two classes per semester, including summers, can complete their degree in two years. The curriculum includes 12 credits in core courses and 18 credits in electives. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a closely related field, although applicants with a degree in another subject may be admitted and required to take up to four prerequisites. Applicants must submit MAT or GRE scores unless they have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher from an accredited university. All applicants should have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. | |
| Southern Methodist University | Dallas, Texas Online Masters in Cybersecurity | NSA CAE |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, New Hampshire Master of Science in Cyber Security Master of Science in Information Technology – Information Security Southern New Hampshire University’s Master of Science in Cyber Security is a Professional Science Master’s program, designed to give students in-demand workplace skills while they pursue advanced training in science or math. The curriculum requires 36 credits, including core courses in information technology and electives in cybersecurity. The program ends with a cybersecurity capstone that requires students to use all the skills they have acquired to complete an analytics project. Classes are delivered in an asynchronous format that allows students to access them 24/7. Courses are arranged in 10-week terms, and students who take two courses per term can complete the degree in 15 months. Students without a sufficient technical background must take a foundation course. SNHU does not require GRE or GMAT scores. | |
| Southern Utah University | Cedar City, Utah Master of Cyber Security & Information Assurance The Master of Cyber Security & Information Assurance program at Southern Utah University has two options for an emphasis area: cyber and web security or government, regulation, and compliance and IS controls. The 33-credit curriculum requires 15 credits in core courses, 12 credits in the emphasis area, and six credits in the capstone experience, either a thesis or internship. Students can complete the degree, which is an online program, in four semesters. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in information systems, computer science, or science. Students with a related degree need approval from program administrators. Applicants should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher on their last 60 credits and must submit documentation of industry certifications, three recommendations, and a letter of intent. | |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, New Jersey Master of Science – Cybersecurity Master of Science in Computer Science – Secure Systems Focus The Schaefer School of Engineering and Science at Stevens Institute of Technology has two online options in computer security. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity is a 30-credit program that includes seven required core classes and three electives. Cybersecurity majors may be eligible for the Scholarship for Service, which includes a stipend for two years and an internship at a federal facility. Students seeking the M.S. in Computer Science can choose a focus in secure systems. Computer science master’s students must earn at least 30 credits, and they select electives from their focus area to gain depth of knowledge. Stevens is home to the Center for the Advancement of Security Systems and Information Assurance, which does multi-disciplinary research in the subject. | NSA CAE |
| Stevenson University | Stevenson, Maryland Online Master of Science in Cyber Forensics Online Master of Science in Digital Forensics | |
| Stratford University | Fairfax, Virginia Master of Science in Digital Forensics | |
| Strayer University | Arlington, Virginia Master of Science in Information Assurance Master of Science in Information Systems: Computer Forensic Management Strayer University has several online options for graduate students who want a master’s degree in a security-related field. The Master of Science in Information Assurance is a 12-course program that meets the national training standards set by the National Security Agency for information systems security personnel. Students in the program can prepare to take the CISSP exam to secure extra credentials as an information security professional. Information assurance students take classes such as computer forensics planning, cryptography, and an information assurance capstone. Strayer’s Master of Science in Information Systems degree offers concentrations in computer security management and computer forensic management. These 12-course programs also meet NSA standards and allow candidates to prepare to sit the CISSP exam. | |
| Sullivan University | Louisville, Kentucky Master of Science in Cyber Security Sullivan University offers a fully-online program leading to a Master of Science in Cybersecurity that can be completed in as few as 18 months. Graduates gain skills such as how to perform information security assessments, and how to monitor and audit implementations and networks. The program uses virtual resources to give students experience in applying classroom theory to situations in a laboratory environment. Candidates must complete 12 courses covering topics such as data mining and distributed computing, evaluating emerging security technologies, business continuity and disaster response, applied digital forensics, and cyber warfare and espionage. Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5. While a technical degree is not required, applicants should have classwork or work experience in the IT or cybersecurity field. | |
| The University of West Florida | Pensacola, Florida Master of Science in Cybersecurity The University of West Florida offers a Master of Science in Information Technology with a specialization in cybersecurity. The program is offered completely online, and the program content has been designed to provide hands-on experience to ensure students meet real-world requirements for information security professionals. Candidates take five core IT courses, including courses covering Java programming and software engineering. Specialization courses cover software assurance, database security, and secure software development. Candidates must complete a six-credit computer science capstone project. Applicants must submit graduate admission test scores from the GRE, MAT or TOEFL exam, and three start dates are available each year. UWF has been named a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. | |
| Towson University | Towson, Maryland MS in Applied Information Technology: Information Security and Assurance Towson University offers an online program for a Master of Science in Applied Information Technology that requires students to earn a post- baccalaureate certificate in a specialized field. One option is a certificate in information security and assurance. The curriculum requires students to complete 33 credits, with 15 credits devoted to the courses required for the graduate certificate and 18 credits in graduate-level elective classes. Candidates are required to complete a case study course in the area of specialization, taking on a real-world project in information assurance. Applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science or a related field begin advanced studies in the first semester. Students whose undergraduate degree is in a different field may be required to take foundational courses. | NSA CAE |
| University of Advancing Technology | Tempe, Arizona Master of Science in Cyber Security The University of Advancing Technology offers a fully online Master of Science in Information Assurance that is designed to create “white hat” innovators intent on protecting data security. The 36-credit program can be completed in six semesters, and UAT allows online students to start the program at seven times during the year. Students have access to the tool sets and techniques used in the industry, and the program uses a team-based approach. In place of a master’s thesis, MSIA students are required to complete a graduate innovation project in which they develop a market-ready innovation. The UAT faculty includes full-time and adjunct instructors who have industry experience. The National Security Agency has named UAT as a Center of Academic Excellence for information assurance. | NSA CAE |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, Alabama Online Master of Science in Management Information Systems – Cyber Security Management | NSA CAE |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, Arizona MS in Management Information Systems with Emphasis in Information Assurance Online Master’s in Cybersecurity The University of Arizona’s online Master of Science in Management Information Systems program allows students to use their elective courses to pursue an emphasis in information assurance. The curriculum includes eight core courses and three electives. Students can also perform an internship. Applicants do not need to have an undergraduate degree in computer science, but they must be able to program at an intermediate level in a language such as Java or C++. Applicants without a business background are required to complete a prerequisite course in financial accounting and one in marketing or operations management. Applicants must submit GRE or GMAT scores. Arizona’s MIS program was ranked #5 on the 2016 U.S. News and World Report list of Best Grad Schools/Information Systems. | NSA CAE |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, Florida Digital Forensics MS The University of Central Florida has a Master of Science in Digital Forensics that students can complete through online coursework. The curriculum requires four core classes in computer and digital forensics, two courses in computing, a course in criminal justice and electronic discovery, and a course in forensic science and legal studies. Students who select the non-thesis option take two more courses from the restricted electives list, and thesis students earn six credits for completing their thesis. Not all electives are available online, and thesis students must come to campus to defend their thesis. Applicants with an undergraduate degree in a subject other than computer science may have to take prerequisite courses unless they have acceptable work experience or training in the field. | NSA CAE |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, Colorado Master of Sciene in Technology, Cybersecurity and Policy | |
| University of Colorado Denver | Denver, Colorado Master of Science in Recording Arts – Media Forensics Emphasis | |
| University of Dallas | Irving, Texas Master of Business Administration – Cybersecurity Concentration Masters of Science (M.S.) in Cybersecurity The Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business at the University of Texas offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity that can be completed 100 percent online. The M.S. in Cybersecurity is a 30-credit, 10-course program. Students who take an additional four courses can earn an MBA with a concentration in cybersecurity. Classwork covers topics such as compliance and legal issues, data protection, penetration testing and vulnerability assessment, and operational and strategic cybersecurity management. As a capstone, each student completes a practical exercise in a simulated management role. All faculty members for this program have the CISSP certification, and most have experience as consultants or with major technology corporations. The University of Dallas is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity. | NSA CAE |
| University of Delaware | Newark, Delaware Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity The University of Delaware’s online Master of Science in Cybersecurity focuses on the design of secure software and systems, as well as implementation and evaluation. Cybersecurity instructors are active practitioners in the field, bringing a wealth of corporate and military experience to their teaching. The curriculum includes 10 required three-credit courses, covering topics such as system hardening, digital forensics, pen testing and reverse engineering, and applied cryptography. Applicants should have a background in engineering, computer science, information systems or a related field. The University of Delaware is a leader in the cybersecurity field and is home to the Cybersecurity Initiative, a center that concentrates on research, training, and developing cybersecurity partnerships. The University of Delaware has been designated a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. | |
| University of Denver | Denver, Colorado Information Systems Security Master degree Denver University offers an online Master of Science in Information and Communications Technology with a concentration in information systems security. Students must complete 12 courses, including four core courses, four courses in the concentration, and four electives that fit with the student’s career goals. The program is open to IT professionals and career changers. Online courses are offered in 10-week terms, and the program can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. The curriculum aligns with the body of knowledge needed for the CISSP certification, and the University of Denver is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense Education. The University of Denver’s ICT program was ranked 25th on U.S. News and World Report’s 2016 rankings of graduate IT programs. | NSA CAE |
| University of Detroit Mercy | Detroit, Michigan Master of Science in Information Assurance (MS-IA) Students in the Master of Science in Informaton Assurance program offered online by the University of Detroit Mercy can finish the program in a little more than a year of full-time study. Students to take eight core courses and two electives, all focused on cybersecurity. Graduates of the program also earn Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) certifications in fundamentals and management. Instructors are experts in the field, and the primary instructor, Daniel Shoemaker, helped write the national software assurance common body of knowledge for the Department of Homeland Security. The program is open both to students with a technical background and to career changers who want to transition to the cybersecurity field. UDM is a Center of Academic Excellence for cyber defense education. | NSA CAE |
| University of Fairfax | Roanoke, Virginia Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management Master of Science in Information Security Management (MSISM) The University of Fairfax has an online Master of Science in Information Security Management that gives students four options for degree specializations. The options are information security analysis, information security auditing, information system certification, and information security engineering. The curriculum requires six core courses, two research methods courses, and four courses in the area of specialization. The University of Fairfax specializes in cybersecurity education, and even the research methods classes share that focus; one covers effective writing in information security analysis, and the other covers web-based research methods in information security. Applicants who have earned selected information security certifications such as the CISSP before enrolling may apply for the Information Security Certification scholarship. Cybersecurity research fellowships are also available. | |
| University of Idaho | Moscow, Idaho MS in Computer Science – Information Assurance The University of Idaho offers a Master of Science in Computer Science with an emphasis on information assurance. The university is home to the Center for Secure and Dependable Systems, which participates in computer-related security research and education. The university has been a leader in information assurance education for nearly two decades, and it was one of the first seven universities in the United States to be designated as a Center of Excellence in Information Assurance Education. Students in the M.S. program can choose a thesis or non-thesis option. The information assurance curriculum has not been formalized, but students can choose from a list of suggested courses to customize their program of study. Admission to the M.S. program is highly competitive. | NSA CAE |
| University of Maryland-University College | Adelphi, Maryland Master of Science in Cybersecurity Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy Master of Science in Information Technology – Homeland Security Management Master of Science in Information Technology – Information Assurance The University of Maryland offers four master’s level cybersecurity degrees for online students. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy is for mid-career professionals interested in the role of government and other agencies in setting policy and responding to cybersecurity threats. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology takes a multidisciplinary approach and includes coursework in technology, science, law, management, forensics, business and psychology as they relate to protecting cyber assets. The Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigations is for mid-career professionals who want to work with digital evidence in investigating and analyzing cyber incidents and cybercrimes. Students in the Master of Science in Information Technology program can specialize in information assurance. The university has several scholarships exclusively for cybersecurity students. | NSA CAE |
| University of Massachusetts-Lowell | Lowell, Massachusetts Online Master of Science in Security Studies: Cyber Security Concentration The University of Massachusetts-Lowell offers a Master of Science in Security Studies with a concentration in cybersecurity that can be completed entirely online. The program is taught by instructors from the School of Criminology and Justice Studies, and coursework covers computer network security principles, human behavior, cyber forensics, and the strategies and agencies involved in securing information and infrastructures. To earn the master’s degree, candidates must complete 10 courses. Seven core courses are required, covering topics such as intelligence analysis, scientific and technological dimensions of national security, and designing and building a cybersecurity program. Students take three electives in the cybersecurity concentration. Applicants are accepted from a wide range of undergraduate backgrounds and should have a 3.0 GPA. GRE or MAT scores are required. | NSA CAE |
| University of New Haven | West Haven, Connecticut Master of Science in Investigations – Digital Forensics | |
| University of New Mexico-Main Campus | Albuquerque, New Mexico The Master of Science in Information Systems and Assurance The Master of Science in Information Systems and Assurance program at the University of New Mexico offers several concentrations, including cybersecurity and information assurance, and system and network administration and security. The program is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in accounting, computer science, information systems, or information technology. The program is flexible, allowing students to concentrate in one area or to take courses from multiple areas. Students can also waive some required classes if they took similar undergraduate courses. However, not all courses in the program are available online. Students in the M.S. in Informaton Systems and Assurance program may be eligible for the Scholarships for Service program, funded by the National Science Foundation, for students interested in working in national security. | NSA CAE |
| University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, North Dakota Online Master of Science in Cyber Security | |
| University of Rhode Island | Kingston, Rhode Island Master’s in Computer Science – Digital Forensics Professional Science Masters in Cyber Security The Digital Forensics and Cyber Security Center at Rhode Island University offers an online Professional Science Master’s in Cyber Security that does not require a capstone project. Instead, students must complete an internship, which they can do through their current employment. The program requires students to complete nine courses, worth four credits each, including the internship. Video lectures are delivered on demand, and hands-on labs are cloud based. Students who do not have a technical background can take a self-paced program in cybersecurity fundamentals the summer before they begin the master’s program. Students enter the program in the fall, and depending upon how many courses they take each semester, they can complete the program in 12, 18, or 24 months. | NSA CAE |
| University of San Diego | San Diego, California Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership Students interested in a leadership role in cybersecurity can earn a Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership in an online program offered through the University of San Diego. The 11-course curriculum focuses on critical aspects of cybersecurity and includes an integrative capstone course. Each course runs for seven weeks, and candidates can complete the degree in 20 months. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 2.75, although students with a lower GPA may submit standardized test scores to bolster their case for admission. Applicants must be able to show a background in information technology, either through a record of academic coursework or career experience. Students may enter the program in the fall, spring or summer. | |
| University of South Florida-Main Campus | Tampa, Florida Master Degree in Cybersecurity with a concentration in Cyber Intelligence Master’s in Cybersecurity – Digital Forensics The University of South Florida offers an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity that allows students to select from four concentrations: cyber intelligence, digital forensics, information assurance, or computer security fundamentals. The program is interdisciplinary, using resources from the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Behavioral and Community Sciences, Business, and Engineering. To earn the degree, students must complete four core courses, five concentration courses (six for cyber intelligence), a practicum and a digital portfolio. Cyber intelligence majors do supervised field work, computer security majors do an IT practicum, and students in the other two concentrations perform independent study for their practicum. Applicants should have a degree in computer science, computer engineering, MIS or IT, or significant work experience with computers and programming. | NSA CAE |
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles, California Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering The Viterbi School of Engineering at the University of Southern California offers a Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering that is available online through the school’s Distance Education Network, known as DEN@Viterbi. The online program includes seven core courses and two electives. Courses cover topics such as applications of cryptography and cryptanalysis, assurance in cyberspace, security system engineering, and policy: the foundation for successful information assurance. Applicants to the program should have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information security or electrical engineering, a strong background in math, and programming capability. Applicants must submit GRE scores. USC’s Viterbi School was ranked second on the 2016 U.S. News and World Report listing of online graduate engineering programs. | NSA CAE |
| University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg, Kentucky Master of Science in Digital Forensics Master of Science in Information Systems Security Students who are already working in the information technology field can apply for the online Master of Science in Information Systems Security program at the University of the Cumberlands. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 2.75 or higher, but the program is open to students with a degree in any field. Students with certain professional certifications in the field of IT may be granted credit for prior learning, and the college also accepts up to nine transfer credits and credits for military educational experiences. The program requires students to complete 31 credits, including a capstone information security project in which the candidate evaluates an information security need and designs and implements the best solution for the problem. | NSA CAE |
| Valparaiso University | Valparaiso, Indiana Online Master of Science in Cyber Security The curriculum for Valparaiso University’s online Master of Science in Cybersecurity is flexible, with six elective courses students can use to customize their education to meet their career goals. Many courses are hands-on and utilize the university’s virtualization facility that allows students to work within thousands of security scenarios as they gain skills to use in real-world situations. The 36-credit program includes five core courses, a communication class, and a capstone, as well as six electives. The capstone can be an internship or a research project. Students who do not have at least a minor in computer science, engineering, software development or information technology must take prerequisite classes in programming, networks, statistical analysis, and discrete mathematics. | |
| Villanova University | Villanova, Pennsylvania Master of Science in Cybersecurity Villanova University’s online Master of Science in Cybersecurity allows students to concentrate in systems, policy, or operations. The degree requires students to complete 10 classes, with only two required core classes. Students also take four courses in the concentration area and four electives that they can use for more classes in the concentration or to explore other topics in cybersecurity. There is a thesis option. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in engineering, math, computer science or an applied science with a GPA of 3.0. Applicants with a different degree but who have relevant experience and industry certifications will also be considered. Villanova was ranked 27th in the 2015 U.S. News and World Report ranking of online graduate engineering programs. | |
| Virginia Tech | Blacksburg, Virginia Online Master of Information Technology – Security Track | NSA CAE |
| Walden University | Minneapolis, Minnesota Master of Science in Information Technology – Information Assurance and Cyber Security Track | NSA CAE |
| Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, Utah Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Students who earn the Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance through Western Governors University also study for and complete the exams needed for industry certification in ethical hacking and countermeasures and as a computer hacking forensic investigator. Coursework aligns with national standards for cybersecurity education and was developed with input from WGU’s Information Technology Program Council. Coursework covers topics such as risk management, cyberwarfare, secure software design, cyber law, security policies and standards, secure network design, ethical hacking, forensics, and disaster recovery. Many courses are project-based, and candidates complete a capstone project that tackles a real-world business problem and integrates components of the degree. Applicants should be professionals with experience in fields such as information systems or information technology. |
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